NCG Review – Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star (Nintendo Switch)

Released by Marvelous USA/XSEED, Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star has slashed its way to the Nintendo Switch as one of the first action packed, hack-and-slash title based off the “Fate” anime series. This time around the ports come with all of the previous DLC costumes that were released on the Playstation 4 and Playstation Vita versions, along with the exclusive new Unshackled Bride outfit.

Story

Fate/Extella starts with its own original story that follows three different factions that are battling to take control over “SE.RA.PH”. with characters from Fate/EXTRA, Fate/Stay Night, Fate/Zero, Fate/Apocrypha and Fate/Grand Order.

The story isn’t for everyone, and is not the main focus of this title, but it is there for fans of the series. The story is split up into 6 chapters for each faction and you follow the protagonists of each story as they fight for their faction…….with some fan service included

As someone who has never watched any of the Fate series, the characters and story did catch my interest, and did leave me wanting more. But I can say to new players, the story is a hit or miss.

Visuals

The graphics actually hold up pretty well for the Switch in portable mode and TV mode. I never experienced any frame drops and was amazed by the presentation of the gameplay animation overall.

With cut scenes to go with the story, animations for the transformations in battle, and the lighting, models and particle effects resembling the PS4 and PSVita ports, players will be amazed that they are playing this title on the Switch. (I had nothing bad to say on visuals)

Audio

One of the most known aspects of games in this genre is that the soundtrack is usually a rock inspired soundtrack, but that is not the case of Fate/Extella. Fate/Extella’s soundtrack will have players feeling like they are in a medieval themed anime, as well as a few stages having the ancient Japan feel and the usual techno music.

The soundtrack is a perfect fit, as it never draws players out of the gameplay or even the cut scenes. This is a soundtrack that is recommended to check out for anyone who love the anime and old-school game style music.

Gameplay

Fate/Extella follows the combat style from such franchises like Dynasty Warriors, and the Senran Kagura series where you rush your way through a screen full of thousands of enemies. The difference this time is that it features characters from the Fate series. Players will be using flashy combat attacks, perform a massive combo, and completing side missions, all while defending areas or taking out the bosses of each stage. You might be asking yourself, “Do I need to be a fan of the anime series or Hack and slash genre?” The answer is NO! Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star is a fantastic title for the Nintendo Switch!

Players will jump into its Main Story mode, which has 3 unique main characters stories, which are told in a visual novel approach for each interaction for the characters. The core gameplay is simple, and the map is separated into sections that are controlled by your faction and the enemies. You are given goals to accomplish for each battle while you have to defend your points and takeover the enemies points. Along the way in doing so, the enemies have sub bosses enter the battlefield that try to get in your way. The gameplay is solid to the core, but can get repetitive, as other games of this genre do.

Verdict

Fate/Extella The Umbral Star is a must pick up for anyone who owns a Nintendo Switch! It might be a hack-n-slash title that hits the perfection mark, but it is a game not to pass up, especially to play on the go. I recommend this game to new players and veterans, as it will add a single player title next to your Breath of the Wild on your console/ handheld hybrid.